Rutherglen residents met with Dr Haines in Main Street about a range of subjects. Heading the list, as always with any local, state or federal politician, was the decades-long fight for improved safety in the town’s main street.
“The main topic, absolutely, was Main Street,” Dr Haines told The Free Press.
“I’ve recently raised this matter in Federal Parliament. We need to get all levels of government working together number and we need short term safety improvements, including the slowing of traffic and installing pedestrian crossings with lights.
“I’ve written to the Federal Member and am waiting for a response. I’m in total support of what the residents want for Main Street.”
Resident Julie Taylor said: “Two safe crossings would surely make the situation better,” after her comment in March this year: “I’d rather be arrested for protesting than going to a grandchild’s funeral.”
Resident Wendy Thompson spent several minutes with the Federal Member and said a decision needs to be made for the long-term solution. “But in the meantime, works designed for safety need to be done,” Ms Thompson said.
“At least one pedestrian crossing is necessary.
“We’re a township of older people and a younger generation, and at holiday time there are so many visitors of all ages.”
Resident and long-time campaigner Roberta Horne expressed her keenness to see the number of names on the petition soar.
“We now have over 600 signatures and we are aiming for a huge target, of 2,000 signatures,” she said.
“The petition is gaining support.”
“Our focus for Main Street is on safety. I keep thinking of that poor lady – how shocking. It’s such a narrow street with all sorts of vehicles and situations including towing of boats or whatever. There is an education factor but the street has major problems the way it is.”
On March 28, a 77-year-old Rutherglen woman was struck by a car in Main Street whilst crossing the street and died as a result.
A Ford SUV towing a boat collided with the lady near the intersection of Main Street and Warrens Lane.
On March 15, a truck collided with a car, power pole and The Other Place café. Substantial damage was done and electricity was out for over 24 hours.
Along with the installation of proper pedestrian crossings at the post office and newsagent, and the replacement of 1-dimensional speed humps at the end of each end of the street, the petition calls for the release of the Rutherglen Original Destination report.
Produced at a cost of $690,000 but never released, this study was to inform the plan the then Federal Minister for Transport Darren Chester called for when pledging $2 million from the Coalition if they were returned to power and if matched dollar for dollar by the state. Last November that $2 million was withdrawn by the Federal Government.
The petition also requests the Victorian Minister for Roads Melissa Horne to ensure the $2 million balance of funds put aside for planning as part of the $4 million 2016 election promises by both governments are used specifically for improving safety in Main Street.
“We’ve got to have the Rutherglen Original Destination report released – the study informs the plan,” Ms Horne said.
Dr Haines emphasised the necessity to have the remaining $2 million of State Government spent on urgent safety measures including the suggestions contained in the petition.
Other topics raised with Dr Haines last Friday by local residents included poor mobile coverage in some areas and disability pension matters.
Residents appreciated having chats with the Federal Member for Indi close to where a suitable pedestrian crossing should be located.
What riles Rutherglen residents is the apparent need for many deaths to occur on a road before that road receives safety-type attention from governments.
Also annoying residents is the state government’s requirement for only Victorian residents to sign the petition when so many interstate visitors, including from those from under 10kms away in Corowa, are “not eligible” to sign.
Rutherglen residents want to know if there is a politician in power who can follow through with a pledge of implementing safety measures in Main Street – urgently.
